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Integrated Mind & Body takes holistic approach to fighting breast cancer by Ashley Rigazio
MySouthEnd.com ContributorTuesday Nov 24, 2009 Neighborhood newcomer making a difference
South End resident and business owner Ann Marie Turo is taking a proactive, holistic approach to breast cancer treatment and rehabilitation at her Integrated Mind and Body Studio, where she offers individualized programs and friendly support to women and men of all ages.
Last Sunday, Nov. 22, Turo-an occupational therapist, yoga and Pilates instructor, and Reiki master recently certified in Tai-Chi-partnered with breast cancer support group Thrive Together for a social open house at her 304 Columbus Avenue studio. Women came from Sudbury, Lowell, Woburn, and Lexington for an introduction to yoga, Pilates, and occupational therapy, plus massage by Michael Moore of Moore Massage and makeup and treatments courtesy of Ildiko Skin Care, both of Back Bay.
Thrive Together holds monthly support groups in the Greater Boston area and runs a one-on-one mentorship program. It is unique in its focus on young, pre-menopausal women struggling with breast cancer.
According to Jennifer Rosenberg, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, the organization formed to fill a void left by other support programs, which are typically designed for older women.
"Younger women have different issues: Issues about raising young kids, issues about their careers, dating, relationships, young marriages, new marriages," said Rosenberg. "We’ve found in the past these women haven’t done as well going into a more general breast cancer support organization or environment. So we created one."
The cause is a personal one for Turo, a 23-year St. Botolph area resident. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she was diagnosed at the young age of 31 and again at 42.
"It was a real shock to me, and there wasn’t a lot that was available to me as a young person with breast cancer," she said. "I literally thought I was going to die. I was a very athletic woman; I ate correctly, I took vitamins, I exercised. I really took care of myself, and here I was hit with such a terrible disease."
According to the National Cancer Institute, 192,370 women and 1,910 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. More than 25,000 cases a year affect women younger than 45.
Integrated Mind and Body evolved after Turo’s second diagnosis.
"I use all of my skills as an occupational therapist, Pilates and yoga instructor, and Reiki master to rehabilitate myself and also to bring services to women with cancer of all ages," Turo explained. But, she added, her practice is not limited to cancer patients and survivors-she also works with athletes, new mothers, children, clients seeking to get in shape, and people struggling with pain and other medical issues.
The gentle stretching and movement of Pilates offers many benefits to a breast cancer survivor, and programs can be individualized for all ability levels. Pilates focuses on wellness inside and out, increases energy levels and range of motion, releases tension, and aids with lymphatic drainage. Exercises can be done in several positions-including seated-depending on what’s comfortable for the client. Yoga carries similar perks of relaxation, increased body awareness, and a stronger body.
The programs can be done in addition to occupational therapy, before, during, and after breast cancer treatment to help patients tackle medical issues like lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and "chemo brain." It also plays a supportive role; therapists like Turo can recommend support groups and resources and transition their clients back into the normality of daily life.
Earlier this month, Turo teamed up with fellow occupational therapist Naomi Aaronson to present a seminar, "Breast Cancer and Pilates," to other health care professionals in New Haven, Conn. The duo, which operates Integrated Rehab and Fitness to spread the word about their Pilates-based approach, plans to take the program to Long Island, N.Y., and Maryland next.
"It’s nice to educate the public and health care professionals because this is an area that needs to be looked at and focused on," said Turo. "There’s so much available to young women as far as energy conservation techniques, how to help them with their activities of daily living. There’s the emotional and psychological component that’s so pertinent to young women, or anybody at any stage in cancer."
Longtime clients said they looked forward to their sessions with Turo and lauded her personalized workout programs for helping them get back into shape and feel both physically and emotionally stronger.
In 20 e-mails and phone calls received by South End News, clients described Turo as caring, knowledgeable, interested, and an expert in her field. She has helped some through cancer and other medical and emotional issues, and others to simply increase their levels of well-being and fitness. As they attended sessions, they said Turo became more than an instructor or therapist-she became a personal friend.
"Ann Marie designed a routine to help maintain movement in my affected area (shoulder and arm), helped to resume daily activities, decrease joint stiffness, and improved my overall well-being," wrote Susan L., a breast cancer survivor. "Ann Marie’s gentle and graceful approach put me at ease during a time when I was confused and scared because of my illness."
Another client, who wished to remain anonymous, has worked with Turo over the years to treat lower back pain, rehabilitate and restore flexibility after knee replacements, and now to support ovarian cancer treatment with energy and healing work.
"One of the aspects of working with Ann Marie that I have most appreciated has been her ability and willingness to work with me through different physical challenges," she wrote, adding, "Ann Marie’s gift is her keen interest in the human body and her ability to incorporate both traditional and non-traditional methods in addressing her clients holistically. She is a delight to work with and has helped me enormously."
The Thrive Together event created partnerships between the nonprofit and local businesses-collaborations that are increasingly important as nonprofits prepare for less giving this holiday season. Snappy Fish on Newbury Street and Coda Kitchen and Bar, 329 Columbus Avenue, also contributed to the event.
In early August, Turo moved her studio from Newbury Street to the South End partly because of that involved "neighborhood feeling" and its network of cooperative businesses and health care professionals.
"Even though the economy is slowly coming back, it is an exciting time for new business like myself," she said.
For more information on Turo’s work or the Thrive Together support group, visit www.integratedmindandbody.com or www.thrivetogether.org.
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